10 Ways To Get The Most From Your Mobile Devices (PICTURES)

Surprising Things Your Smartphone Can Do (PICTURES)
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It may be a myth that humans only make use of a small percentage of their brains, but it’s certainly true of their mobile devices.

When you consider the myriad apps available to download, and add to that the growing trend for ‘smart’ mobile accessories, even the most devoted technophile can do little more than scratch the surface of his smartphone or tablet’s true potential.

Did you know, for instance, your smartphone has the capacity to fake an incoming call to help extricate you from a bad date? Or that it can help you to catch criminals, or tell you whether you’re over the limit before you get behind the wheel?

Where there is an everyday need, there is an app to help. And where there is a once-in-a-lifetime obscure requirement, there is an app to help for that, too.

But according to market research company, Trendspotting, “apps alone are no longer satisfying” consumers. Their ‘Trends And Innovations In Mobile Accessories Report’ identifies a growing demand for ‘smart’ accessories – additional hardware that attaches to mobile devices to improve and enhance their basic features.

Gadgets to upgrade your camera, Bluetooth speakers to pump up the bass, cases that double up as battery chargers, fitness and health trackers to keep you in shape, games-console add-ons… your smartphone just got a hell of a lot smarter.

But with so many apps and accessories to choose from, where do you begin finding the right ones for you?

To help you navigate the minefield, we’ve pulled together some of the best new accessories and apps to help you make the most of your mobile devices.

10 Ways To Get More From Your Mobile Devices
Boostcase Hybrid for iPhone 5(01 of07)
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You might have all the right apps and accessories, but if you're battery's dead, they're not going to much use to you. A blend of function and fashion, the Boostcase Hybrid is a snap case with a detachable battery that can charge your phone while protecting it. Available for iPhone 5 in an array of eye-popping colours.
Kensington Pocket Battery Pack(02 of07)
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This portable smartphone charger is small enough to slip into your pocket but powerful enough to give you an additional three and a half hours' talk time, without the need for a mains connection. It's compatible with Blackberry, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and LG smartphones. (credit:Kensington)
Bamboo Stylus Mini(03 of07)
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A hipster's dream, the Bamboo Stylus 'mini' from Wacom is a digital pen that attaches to your phone so you can doodle, scribble and jot, wherever the mood strikes. Download the accompanying Bamboo Loop app and you can also scrawl hand-written notes and doodles over your retro photos and send them to your achingly hip friends. (credit:Wacom)
Slingshot Smartphone Stabiliser(04 of07)
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An essential accessory for budding photographers and filmmakers. Take smooth, shake-free action shots and video with this hand-held stabiliser that doubles up as a table-top tripod. The cradle is compatible with Android, iPhone and Blackberry phones. (credit:Slingshot)
Damson Cisor Bluetooth Speaker(05 of07)
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A portable, pocket-sized, powerhouse of a speaker, the Damson Cisor is great for when you want to listen to tunes or amp up a movie soundtrack on the move. It offers up to nine hours of playback time and has a built-in rechargable battery. Unlike many of its counterparts it's big on bass. (credit:Damson)
Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810(06 of07)
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Touchscreen typing is okay to a point but when you're writing wordy texts it can be a little tiresome - not to mention all those unsightly grease marks on your nice, shiny screen. The genius of the Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard K810 is that you can flit between different Bluetooth devices at the touch of a button - ideal if you work intermittently between your iPad and iMac. And as its name suggests, it has illuminated keys for typing in the dark. (credit:Logitech)
iCade Retro Games Console For iPad(07 of07)
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This old-school games console is perfect for old timers and retro-revivalists. Download the Atari Greatest Hits App from iTunes and slot your iPad into the 70s-style mini arcade-game cabinet. Anyone for Space Invaders or Frogger? (credit:iCade)